Management of the donor conception registers

The Central Register and Voluntary Register status update May 2026

The Voluntary Register is currently operating and matches are progressing. Please be aware that some applications require additional time to process, and that timeframes can be dependent on the complexity of individual applications.

There has been an unexpected delay in the processing of applications to the Central Register, due to a further review of current processes to ensure alignment with the Assisted Reproductive Treatment Act 2008.

It is anticipated that the Donor Conception Registrar will begin disclosing information related to the Central Register from June 2026 in a staged approach as noted below.

Update to management of applications and information sharing

On 1 January 2025, responsibility for the Central and Voluntary Donor Conception Registers transferred from the Victorian Assisted Reproductive Treatment Authority (VARTA) to the Department of Health (the department), alongside changes to legal, privacy and governance requirements for management of the registers.

As a result, the department has since undertaken a full review and re-design of the donor conception registers, including the development of new application and disclosure processes to ensure both registers are operating in accordance with updated legislative and departmental standards.

How Central Register applications will be processed

The Donor Conception Registrar will disclose information from the Central Register in stages.

It is currently anticipated that non-identifying information will be disclosed from June 2026.

Applications for identifying information involve additional legislative requirements than applications for non-identifying information. This means a longer processing time.

It is anticipated that these disclosures will begin processing in late 2026, in the following order:

1. Requests relating to post-1998 treatments processing first; followed by
2. Requests for pre-1998 treatments.

Please note that these dates are estimates and may change based on the complexity of applications and information available.

Applications are processed based on the order they are received, and the type of information being sought, with requests from donor-conceived persons taking priority. If your application includes a request for more than one type of information, each type of information may be provided to you in stages.

Currently, the department is unable to provide an individual timeframe for the outcome of your application. We are working hard to process applications, and we appreciate your patience as disclosures continue.

What this means for existing applications

Applications that have already been submitted remain active and do not need to be re-submitted. All applications have received an initial review against the information held in the relevant register.

Before any information is disclosed, the Donor Conception Registrar is required to provide applicants with Explanatory Material that explains the application and disclosure process.

In some cases, non-identifying information, such as donor profiles or donor family numbers, may also be available directly from assisted reproductive treatment (ART) clinics. Contact your ART clinic directly for more information.

Counselling and support

A free, independent counselling service run by the Royal Women's Hospital is available to persons requesting information throughout the donor conception information release process.

Request a referrals by emailing DCR@health.vic.gov.au.

New applications

All new applications should be made using the relevant Department of Health application form and submitted directly to the Donor Conception Registrar.

For information about how to apply, including application forms and guides, see:

• The Voluntary Register for sharing details of donor conception
• The Central Register of donor conception treatment details
• Writing your Statement of Reasons for donor conception registers